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Postgraduate Computing Science teacher training
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Graduates Only - If you are thinking about saying ‘yes’ to making a difference by becoming a teacher, this Masters-level (postgraduate) qualification is the first step on your journey. Successful completion of the postgraduate diploma in education (PGDE) at the University of Glasgow will take you to the General Teaching Council for Scotland’s Standard for Provisional Registration. If you are from Scotland, other parts of the UK or the Republic of Ireland, or are in some categories of EU status, you are then eligible to enter the Teacher Induction Scheme (TIS). The TIS guarantees a one-year teaching post through which you can achieve GTCS Standard for Full Registration. The GTCS Flexible Route is also open to you.
Whether you've recently completed an HND at college, graduated from university or are currently pursuing your degree, we can help you navigate the path to becoming a qualified Computing Science teacher in Scotland. Explore the universities below offering teacher training programs that will equip you with the skills and knowledge to inspire the next generation of tech innovators.
University of the Highlands and Islands - Offers the flexibility to complete your postgraduate Computing Science teacher training part-time, ideal for those balancing other commitments.
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Graduates Only - This course is a professional training course which qualifies you to teach secondary education. The qualification is recognised throughout the world and is regulated by the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS) and the Scottish Government. You learn from on-campus classes and 18 weeks of placements in schools in Scotland. The qualification allows you to teach in locations worldwide. If you're a Scottish, rest of UK or EU student, you're guaranteed a job for one year in a Scottish school after you graduate. Computing is one of the fastest developing subject areas in secondary education. Computing skills are quickly becoming integral to success in the modern world where technology is developing at a rapid rate. The course offers a wide spread of university and school-based learning experiences to ensure students are well equipped to enter the teaching profession. Teaching computing is becoming as important as English and Mathematics as it's fundamental to modern life. There's an amazing satisfaction in empowering the next generation to cope in a digital environment.
HND and Undergraduate Computing Science teacher training
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Graduates Only - The Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary) is a one year (36 weeks) full-time course of professional training accredited by the General Teaching Council for Scotland. If you are interested in embarking on a rewarding and fulfilling career, where you can really make a difference, our PGDE programmes give you the opportunity to get a teaching qualification in just 36 weeks.
The University of Aberdeen and the University of Strathclyde offer a specific route for HND students. This allows you to transition directly from an HND at college into the 3rd year of a university degree. It is a streamlined way to combine your practical technical skills with professional teacher training, leading to a degree and registration with the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS) as a qualified Secondary Computing Science teacher.
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View details on University website.
Enhance your knowledge and skills to face the challenges of 21st-century teaching to inspire young students to engage in STEM education, using a variety of teaching approaches and practical applications. Our degree offers a flexible route for HND graduates in computing science to transition from college to complete our MA in Secondary Education, allowing you to earn a qualification teaching STEM within secondary schools.
University of Aberdeen also enables HND graduates to enter directly into Year 3 and gain both academic subject expertise and practical classroom experience, leading to qualification as a secondary teacher in Computing Science. Find out more. -
Develop the professional values and expertise needed to meet the demands of modern secondary teaching in high-priority STEM and practical subjects. This degree offers a unique four-year pathway, allowing HND graduates in Computing Science to transition from a Scottish college directly into Year 3 and Year 4 of the BSc (Hons) in Education and Curricular Studies with Teaching Qualification.
The University of Strathclyde offers direct entry into Year 3, where you will undertake advanced curricular study. In Year 4, you will complete 18 weeks of on-campus study and 18 weeks of school placements, preparing you for teaching in the classroom.
This route leads to a Teaching Qualification (TQ) and registration with the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS), as well as a guaranteed one-year induction post in a Scottish school upon graduation.
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Graduates Only - The course is offered in partnership with Argyll and Bute, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Highland, Moray, Orkney Islands, Perth and Kinross, and Shetland Islands Councils, each working with the university through their local campus. The course is also offered in partnership with Aberdeen City and Scottish Borders councils, with applicants based in the Borders registered through UHI Inverness.
Computing Science can be studied at the following campuses: Aberdeen City; UHI Argyll (Oban); UHI Inverness; UHI North, West and Hebrides (Fort William, Stornoway, and Thurso); UHI Moray; UHI Orkney; UHI Perth; UHI Shetland; or the Scottish Borders.
The PGDE (Secondary) consists of 18 weeks study at the university plus 18 weeks in professional practice in schools.
Teaching Bursary in Scotland
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To be eligible for a bursary, applicants need to meet the eligibility criteria. Further information including how to apply can be accessed at:
https://teachingbursaryinscotland.co.uk/You can read about how the teaching bursary helped a former architect pursue her dream of becoming a teacher here:
Teaching Bursary helps Catriona pursue career change – Skills Development Scotland
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How much additional funding you receive is worked out based on your household income. The maximum yearly amount available is £7,625 (equal to a £5,750 student loan and a £1,875 bursary). You’ll qualify for this if you’re from a household with a combined income of less than £19,000 a year.
You may still be eligible for funding even if you’ve received financial support for a previous degree.
Living grants are also available for Scottish residents. Through SAAS, students who are single parents or who have adult dependents can apply for additional funding opportunities. For example, the Disabled Students’ Allowance is available to those who qualify. You may have to complete a needs assessment to prove your eligibility.
Further information about tuition fees for both undergraduate and PGDE courses in Scotland can be found on at www.saas.gov.uk.
The Teaching Bursary is a £20,000 incentive to ease the financial transition for career changers wishing to undertake a one-year PGDE ITE course in Scotland that leads to the award of registered teacher status in Scotland’s hardest-to-fill teaching subjects which include Computing Science.
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Further information about tuition fees for both undergraduate and PGDE courses in Scotland can be found on the SAAS website.
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You’ll be required to pay a tuition fee set by the institution to which you’re applying. This fee can be covered by a student loan from your home funding body, the same as if you were studying at home. You can contact your chosen university for advice on the additional funding you could receive, in the form of scholarships and bursaries.